U.S. patent application number 15/292353 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-20 for apparatus and method for adjusting the stroke length of a movable member.
The applicant listed for this patent is VAMCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.. Invention is credited to BRYAN P. GENTILE, JOSEPH P. GENTILE, VAUGHN H. MARTIN.
Application Number | 20170108096 15/292353 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58517869 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170108096 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARTIN; VAUGHN H. ; et
al. |
April 20, 2017 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE STROKE LENGTH OF A MOVABLE
MEMBER
Abstract
An apparatus and a method are provided for adjusting the stroke
length of a reciprocating member such that the stroke length can be
infinitely varied between a minimum and a maximum stroke length. A
pair of crankshafts are each connected to an eccentric and
configured to operate with a phase offset such that the stroke
length can be varied by adjusting the phase offset.
Inventors: |
MARTIN; VAUGHN H.; (MARS,
PA) ; GENTILE; BRYAN P.; (LONGBOAT KEY, FL) ;
GENTILE; JOSEPH P.; (LONGBOAT KEY, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VAMCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. |
Pittsburgh |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58517869 |
Appl. No.: |
15/292353 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62241260 |
Oct 14, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 21/20 20130101;
B30B 1/263 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16H 21/20 20060101
F16H021/20; B30B 1/26 20060101 B30B001/26 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a first crankshaft configured to rotate
at a first angular velocity; said first crankshaft fixedly
connected to a first eccentric having a first eccentricity; a
second crankshaft configured to rotate at a second angular
velocity; said second crankshaft fixedly connected to a second
eccentric having a second eccentricity; said second crankshaft
configured to operate with said first crankshaft with a phase
offset; a movable member configured to move along a vertical axis
through a stroke length; a connection assembly operably connected
to said first and second eccentrics and said movable member; said
connection assembly configured to convert rotary motion of said
first and second crankshafts connected to said first and second
eccentrics into linear motion of said movable member along a
vertical axis through said stroke length such that said stroke
length can be varied by adjusting said phase offset.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first crankshaft is
operably connected to and rotated by a first motor and said second
crankshaft is operably connected to and rotated by said first
motor.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first crankshaft is
operably connected to and rotated by a first motor and said second
crankshaft is operably connected to and rotated by a second
motor.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connection assembly is
configured such that said stroke length moved by said movable
member can be infinitely varied between a maximum stroke length and
a minimum stroke length.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connection assembly
comprises: a first connecting member operably connected to said
first eccentric; a second connecting member operably connected to
said second eccentric; an averaging link have a first end and a
second end; said first connecting member operably connected to said
first end of said averaging link; said second connecting member
operably connected to said second end of said averaging link; said
movable member connected to said averaging link at a connecting
position on said averaging link between said first end and said
second end of said averaging link.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein: the distance between said
first end of said averaging link and said connecting position on
said averaging link is equal to the distance between said second
end of said averaging link and said connecting position on said
averaging link.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 configured such that a vertical
position of said movable member along said vertical axis can be
approximated by the sum of: one-half the product of said first
eccentricity of said first eccentric and the sine of the sum of a
first angular position of said first crankshaft; and one-half the
product of said second eccentricity of said second eccentric and
the sine of the sum of a second angular position of said
crankshaft.;
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein: said first and second
connecting members of equal in length.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 configured such that a vertical
position of said movable member along said vertical axis at a given
time can be approximated by the sum of: one-half the product of
said first eccentricity of said first eccentric and the sine of the
sum of a first angular position of said first eccentric at said
given time and the product of the first angular velocity of said
first crankshaft at said given time and said given time; and
one-half the product of said second eccentricity of said second
eccentric and the sine of the sum of a second angular position of
said second eccentric at said given time and the product of the
second angular velocity of said second crankshaft at said given
time and said given time; wherein said first angular velocity of
said first crankshaft and said second angular velocity of said
second crankshaft are constant and do not vary over time.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said first crankshaft is
configured to rotate in the same direction as said second
crankshaft.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein: said first crankshaft is
configured to rotate at a first angular velocity that is constant
over time and equal in magnitude to said second angular velocity of
said second crankshaft.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said first crankshaft is
configured to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction that
said second crankshaft is configured to rotate.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein: said first crankshaft is
configured to rotate at said first angular velocity that is
constant over time and equal in magnitude to said second angular
velocity of said second crankshaft.
14. A method for controlling the position of a movable member
comprising the steps of: rotating a first crankshaft fixedly
connected to a first eccentric operably connected to a connection
assembly configured to drive said movable member along a vertical
axis a stroke length; rotating a second crankshaft fixedly
connected to a second eccentric operably connected to a connection
assembly configured to drive said movable member along a vertical
axis said stroke length of said movable member; adjusting said
stroke length by adjusting a phase offset between said first
crankshaft and said second crankshaft.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said first crankshaft is
operably connected to and rotated by a first motor and said second
crankshaft is operably connected to and rotated by said first
motor.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein said first crankshaft is
operably connected to and rotated by a first motor and said second
crankshaft is operably connected to and rotated by a second
motor.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein said movable member can be
driven a stroke length infinitely variable between a maximum stroke
length and a minimum stroke length.
18. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of:
rotating said first crankshaft at a first angular velocity and in
the same direction said second crankshaft is rotated.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the steps of:
rotating said second crankshaft at a second angular velocity equal
in magnitude to said first angular velocity.
20. The method of claim 14 wherein further comprising the steps of:
rotating said first crankshaft at a first angular velocity and in a
direction opposite said second crankshaft is rotated;
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein further comprising the steps
of: rotating said second crankshaft at a second angular velocity
equal in magnitude to said first angular velocity of said first
crankshaft.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/241,260 filed on Oct. 14, 2015, the disclosure
of which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally relates to an apparatus for
adjusting the stroke length of a reciprocating member. More
particularly, the invention relates to a mechanical press having an
apparatus for adjusting the stroke length of the movable member of
the press.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A press machine is a tool used to work a material such as
metal by changing its shape and internal structure to form
pieces.
[0004] A punch press is a type of press machine used for forming
and/or cutting material. The punch press holds one or more die sets
consisting of a set of (male) punches and (female) dies that, when
pressed together, can form a hole in a workpiece or can deform the
workpiece in some desired manner. The punches and the dies can be
removable with the punch being temporarily attached to the end of a
movable member during the punching process.
[0005] A press drive assembly enables linear motion in a vertical
direction of the movable member. In many conventional mechanical
presses, the press drive assembly includes a motor and a single
crankshaft arranged to convert rotary-oscillatory motion into the
linear motion of the movable member. It is often desirable to
adjust the stroke length of the movable member. Examples of
adjusting the stroke length of a movable member are found in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,606,941; 6,647,869; 6,654,661; 6,711,995; 7,024,913;
2005/0145117 and 2006/0144258 the disclosures of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] For the invention to be clearly understood and readily
practiced, the invention will be described in conjunction with the
following FIG., wherein like reference characters designate the
same or similar elements, which FIG. is incorporated into and
constitute a part of the specification, wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a press machine according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a view of the detail of the crankshafts and
eccentrics in a portion of the press machine according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a planar view of a press machine according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the press machine
according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0011] It is to be understood that the FIG. and descriptions of the
invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are
relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while
eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that may be
well known. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that,
such as, for example, all of the components of the reactor coolant
pumps other than as shown in the FIG. have not been described in
detail herein for the purpose of simplifying the specification of
the patent application.
[0012] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms
"upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "axial", "top",
"bottom", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention, as
it is oriented in the drawing FIGS. However, it is to be understood
that the invention may assume various alternative configurations
except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be
understood that the specific elements illustrated in the FIG. and
described in the following specification are simply exemplary
embodiments of the invention. Therefore, specific dimensions,
orientations and other physical characteristics related to the
embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting.
[0013] The detailed description will be provided hereinbelow with
reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, like reference
characters designate corresponding parts throughout the views.
[0014] Referring to FIG. 1-3, a press machine 10 is shown including
a movable member 12, such as, for example, a ram for a press
machine, that generally moves along a vertical axis 14. The movable
member 12 is positioned within frame 16. Frame 16 includes vertical
guide posts 18, 20 for limiting movable member 12 to movement along
vertical axis 14.
[0015] The press machine 10 includes a bed 22 that is connected to
the frame 16.
[0016] A press drive assembly 24 includes at least one motor 70 and
first 26 and second 28 crankshafts. In this embodiment, the at
least one motor includes a pair of motors 70, 71 with one motor for
rotating each crankshaft 26, 28 about its axis of rotation
respectively. The at least one motor is preferably a servo motor.
Alternatively, the at least one motor may be a conventional rotary
motor. The at least one motor is operably connected to first 26 and
second 28 crankshafts for driving thereby. In this embodiment a
first motor 70 is fixedly connected to crankshaft 26 and a second
motor 71 is fixedly connected to crankshaft 28 for rotationally
driving thereby. Alternatively (not illustrated) said at least one
motor may be operably connected to first and second crankshafts 26
and 28 thru a belt and pulley drive arrangement, a gear drive
arrangement, or other crankshaft drive means for driving
crankshafts 26 and 28.
[0017] A connection assembly 30 is provided to transmit movement
between the crankshafts 26, 28 and the movable member 12. Although
one connection assembly 30 is shown, multiple connection assemblies
30 could be provided along the axial length of the crankshafts 26,
28. The connection assembly, in the illustrated embodiment,
comprises a pressing column 32 having a first end 34 fixedly
connected to movable member 12 and a second end 36. The connection
assembly further includes an averaging link 38 comprises a first
portion 74 and a second portion 75, a first end 54, a second end
56, and a pivot point 40 located between said first 54 and second
56 ends. First portion 74 of averaging link 38 being that portion
of averaging link 38 bounded by first end 54 and pivot point 40 and
second portion 75 of averaging link 38 being that portion of
averaging link 38 bounded by second end 56 and pivot point 40. The
connection assembly further includes first 42 and second 44
connecting members having first ends 46, 48, respectively, and
second ends 50, 52, respectively opposite thereto.
[0018] Pressing column 32 is pivotally connected to averaging link
38 at pivot point 40 thereof First 54 and second 56 ends of
averaging link 38 are pivotally connected to second ends 50, 52 of
connecting members 42, 44 respectively. The averaging link 38
functions to allow a weighted average of the two positions of the
connecting members 42, 44 to control the stroke length of the
movable member 12. In the preferred embodiment first and second
portions of averaging link 38 are of equal length, that is pivot
point 40 is midway between the pivotal connections at first 54 and
second 56 ends of averaging link 38, and averaging link 38
functions to average (unweighted) the two positions of the
connecting members 42, 42
[0019] Crankshaft 26 includes a cylindrical main portion 58 axially
centered on the axis of rotation of crankshaft 26 and further
includes at least one eccentric 60 rotatably fixed to crankshaft
portion 58 or integrally formed therewith. Disposed about eccentric
60 is a bushing 62 disposed within a throughhole 64 in the first
end 46 of connecting member 42. The rotation of the crankshafts 26
about the crankshaft axis causes the eccentric 60 to rotate thereby
moving connecting member 42.
[0020] Similarly, crankshaft 28 includes a cylindrical main portion
59 axially centered on the axis of rotation of crankshaft 28 and
further includes at least one eccentric 61 rotatably fixed to
crankshaft portion 59 or integrally formed therewith. Disposed
about eccentric 61 is a bushing 63 disposed within a throughhole 65
in the first end 48 of connecting member 44. The rotation of
crankshaft 28 about the crankshaft axis causes the eccentric 61 to
rotate thereby moving connecting member 44.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram of the primary moving
elements of FIGS. 1-3. The angular position .theta..sub.1, of
crankshaft 26, represents the angular measurement of a line drawn
thru the center of crankshaft portion 58 and the center of
eccentric 60 from the horizontal in a right hand rule coordinate
system. The angular position .theta..sub.2, of crankshaft 28,
represents the angular measurement of a line drawn thru the center
of crankshaft 28 and the center of eccentric 61 from the horizontal
in a right hand rule coordinate system. The eccentricity A.sub.1 of
eccentric 60, represents the measurement of the linear distance
between the center of crankshaft portion 58 and the center of
eccentric 60. The eccentricity A.sub.2 of eccentric 61, represents
the measurement of the linear distance between the center of
crankshaft portion 59 and the center of eccentric 61.
[0022] In operation, crankshafts 26 and 28 are driven in either a
first or second mode of operation wherein crankshafts 26 and 28 are
synchronously rotated in either a same direction or in opposite
directions respectively and with a phase offset corresponding to
the angular position .theta..sub.2 of second crankshaft 28 at a
time when the angular position .theta..sub.1 of crankshaft 26 is
zero. When adjustment of the stroke length is desired, at least one
of the motors, or at least one of the crankshaft drive means is
adjusted so that the phase offset is varied thereby varying the
stroke length of the press machine as will be explained in detail
hereinbelow. In the preferred embodiment shown, at least one of the
pair of motors is adjusted so that the crankshafts operate at a new
phase offset. Both motors may be adjustable, or, alternatively, one
motor may be adjustable and the other motor be non-adjustable.
[0023] The vertical position Y of pivot point 40, pressing column
32, and thus movable member 12 is a function of the angular
positions .theta..sub.1 and .theta..sub.2 of crankshafts 26 and 28
respectively, the eccentricity A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 of eccentrics 60
and 61 respectively, the lengths B.sub.1 and B.sub.2 of connecting
members 42 and 44, the lengths C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 of a first and
second portions of averaging link 38 and the geometric relationship
and positioning thereof. It will be obvious to one skilled in the
art, that when the lengths B.sub.1 and B.sub.2 of connecting
members 42 and 44 and the lengths C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 of the first
and second portions of averaging link 38 are much greater than the
eccentricity A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 of eccentrics 60 and 61, the
vertical position Y of pivot point 40, pressing column 32, and thus
movable member 12 can be approximated with the equation:
Y.apprxeq.1/2A.sub.1 Sin .theta..sub.1+1/2A.sub.2 Sin .theta..sub.2
(Equation 1)
[0024] In a first and a second operational mode, crankshafts 26 and
28 are operated at angular velocities .omega..sub.1 and
.omega..sub.2 respectively. If .omega..sub.1 and .omega..sub.2 are
constant angular velocities, that is non-time varying, Equation 1
may be re-written:
Y(t).apprxeq.1/2A.sub.1
Sin(.omega..sub.1t+.theta..sub.1,0)+1/2A.sub.2
Sin(.omega..sub.2t+.theta..sub.2,0) (Equation 2)
[0025] Where .theta..sub.1,0 and .theta..sub.2,0 represent the
angular position of eccentrics 60 and 61 of crankshafts 26 and 28
respectively at an arbitrarily selected time zero.
[0026] In a first and second operational mode, further
characterized in that eccentrics 60 and 61 of crankshafts 26 and 28
are of equal eccentricity, that is where A.sub.1=A.sub.2, and at a
time where arbitrarily selected time zero is a time where the
angular position of first crankshaft 26 is zero, that is where
.theta..sub.1,0=0, Equation 2 may be re-written:
Y(t).apprxeq.1/2A.sub.1 Sin(.omega..sub.1t)+1/2A.sub.1
Sin(.omega..sub.2t+.theta..sub.2,0,0) (Equation 3)
[0027] where .theta..sub.2,0,0 represents the angular position of
eccentric 61 of crankshaft 28 at a point in time when the angular
position of eccentric 60 of crankshaft 26 is zero
(.theta..sub.1,0=0).
[0028] Equation 3 may be re-arranged to:
Y(t).apprxeq.1/2A.sub.1(Sin(.omega..sub.1t)+Sin(.omega..sub.2t+.theta..s-
ub.2,0,0)) (Equation 4)
[0029] Using the trigonometric identity:
Sin(.alpha.)+Sin(.beta.)=2 Sin 1/2(.alpha.+.beta.)cos
1/2(.alpha.-.beta.)
[0030] Equation 4 may be re-written:
Y(t).apprxeq.1/2A.sub.1(2 Sin
1/2(.omega..sub.1t+.omega..sub.2t+.theta..sub.2,0,0)cos
1/2(.omega..sub.1t-.omega..sub.2t-.theta..sub.2,0,0)
[0031] Simplifying further:
Y(t).apprxeq.A.sub.1(Sin
1/2(.omega..sub.1t+.omega..sub.2t+.theta..sub.2,0,0)cos
1/2(.omega..sub.1t-.omega..sub.2t-.theta..sub.2,0,0) (Equation
5)
[0032] In a first operational mode, crankshafts 26 and 28 are
rotated synchronously wherein their angular speeds are equal in
magnitude, and wherein their rotational directions in the same
direction, that is where .omega..sub.2=.omega..sub.1. Equation 5
may then be written:
Y(t).apprxeq.A.sub.1(Sin
1/2(.omega..sub.1t+.omega..sub.1t.theta..sub.2,0,0)Cos
1/2(.omega..sub.1t-.omega..sub.1t-.theta..sub.2,0,0)
[0033] Simplifying and re-arranging:
Y(t).apprxeq.A.sub.1 Cos 1/2(-.theta..sub.2,0,0)(Sin
1/2(2.omega..sub.1t+.theta..sub.2,0,0)
[0034] Appling trigonometric identity Cos(-.alpha.)=Cos(.alpha.),
we obtain:
Y(t).apprxeq.A.sub.1 Cos 1/2(.theta..sub.2,0,0)(Sin
1/2(2.omega..sub.1t+.theta..sub.2,0,0) (Equation 6)
[0035] It can be seen from Equation 6, that when operated in a
first operational mode, the position as a function of time of
movable member 12, Y(t), is characterized as a sinusoidal wave (in
this case a sine wave) whose stroke length is two times the
amplitude of the motion of movable member 12 as described in the
prior functions and is a function of the eccentricity A.sub.1 of
eccentrics 60, 61, and the angle .theta..sub.2 of second crankshaft
28 at a point in time when the angle .theta..sub.1 of first
crankshaft 26 is zero, that is a phase offset (.theta..sub.2,0,0).
It can be further seen from equation 6, that the stroke length of
the press machine of the described invention can be infinitely
varied between a maximum stroke length and a minimum stroke length
by varying the phase offset. In the case of the preferred
embodiment described, the maximum stroke length will be
approximately two times the equal eccentricities A.sub.1 and
A.sub.2 of eccentrics 60 and 61 respectively, when phase offset
.theta..sub.2,0,0 is equal to zero (0) degrees (eq. 6) and the
minimum stroke length will be approximately zero when phase offset
.theta..sub.2,0,0 is equal to 180 degrees (eq. 6). In so far as
phase offset .theta..sub.2,0,0 may be varied infinitely between
zero (0) and 180 degrees, the invention thus has the ability to
provide a stroke length of infinite variability between a maximum
and a minimum stroke length.
[0036] In a second operational mode, crankshafts 26 and 28 are
rotated synchronously wherein their angular speeds are equal in
magnitude, and wherein their rotational directions are in opposite
directions, that is where, .omega..sub.2=-.omega..sub.1. Equation 5
may then be written:
Y(t).apprxeq.A.sub.1(Sin
1/2(.omega..sub.1t-.omega..sub.1t+.theta..sub.2,0,0)Cos
1/2(.omega..sub.1t+.omega..sub.1t-.theta..sub.2,0,0)
Simplifying:
Y(t).apprxeq.A.sub.1(Sin 1/2(.theta..sub.2,0,0)Cos
1/2(2.omega..sub.1t-.theta..sub.2,0,0) (Equation 7)
[0037] It can be seen from Equation 7, that when operated in a
second operational mode, the position as a function of time of
movable member 12, Y(t), is characterized as a sinusoidal wave (in
this case a cosine wave) whose stroke length is two times the
amplitude of the motion of movable member 12 as described in the
prior functions and is a function of the eccentricity A.sub.1 of
eccentrics 60, 61 angle .theta..sub.2 of second crankshaft 28 at a
point in time when the angle .theta..sub.1 of first crankshaft 26
is zero, is a phase offset (.theta..sub.2,0,0). It can be further
seen from equation 7, that the stroke length of the press machine
of the described invention can be infinitely varied between a
maximum stroke length and a minimum stroke length by varying the
phase offset. In the case of the preferred embodiment described,
the maximum stroke length will be approximately two times the
eccentricity A.sub.1 of eccentrics 60, 61, that is when phase
offset .theta..sub.2,0,0 is equal to 180 degrees (eq. 7) and the
minimum stroke length will be approximately zero, that is when
phase offset .theta..sub.2,0,0 is equal to zero (0) degrees (eq.
7). In so far as phase offset .theta..sub.2,0,0 may be varied
infinitely between zero (0) and 180 degrees, the invention thus has
the ability to provide a stroke length of infinite variability
between a maximum and a minimum stroke length.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment and for the sole purpose of
simplifying the mathematics, many geometric conditions were
described. These include but are not limited to, eccentricities A1
and A2 of eccentrics 60 and 61 of crankshafts 26 and 28 are equal,
lengths C1 and C2 of first 74 and second 75 portions of averaging
link 38 are equal, lengths B1 and B2 of connecting members 42 and
44 are equal, and lengths B1 and B2 of connecting members 42 and 44
and lengths C1 and C2 of first 74 and second 75 portions of
averaging link 38 are much greater than the eccentricities A1 and
A2 of eccentrics 60 and 61. It will be obvious then to one skilled
in the art, that if the above conditions and/or others are
different the functions describing the position Y(t) as a function
of time of movable member 12, will yet be characterized in that the
stroke length of the press machine of the current invention is a
function of the eccentricities of eccentrics 60 and 61 of
crankshafts 26 and 28 respectively and the phase offset between
said crankshafts.
[0039] It will be further obvious to one skilled in the art, that
the angular velocities of crankshafts 26 and 28 need not be
constant over time, but rather, may be time varying. It is however
advantageous that the respective angular velocities be synchronous.
That is, as a function of time, the rotational speed of crankshaft
26 and the rotation speed of crankshaft 28 be of equal magnitude
and one of either the same direction or of opposite directions.
Said rotational speeds of crankshafts 26 and 28 may be constant
over time or time varying.
[0040] Although the invention has been described in terms of the
embodiment of a press machine, the invention is not limited to
press machines and is applicable to other operations wherein the
adjustability of stroke length is desirable such as compressors and
V8 engines.
[0041] The invention has been described in terms of two
synchronized motors having the ability to operate the two
crankshafts out of phase with one another. The use of two motors
allows the use of two half-sized motors to be used. The invention,
however, is not limited to two motors and may be applicable more
than two motors or a single motor as long as the arrangement allows
the adjustability of operating one crankshaft out of phase with the
other crankshaft.
[0042] The invention has been described in terms of the illustrated
connection assembly between the drive assembly and the movable
member. The invention, however, is not limited to the illustrated
connection assembly and may use a connection assembly having
multiple links and/or connection points to the movable member such
as the connection assemblies shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,823,087 and 6,055,903, the disclosures of which are incorporated
by reference herein.
[0043] One of ordinary skill in the art, in light of the teachings
herein, can generate additional embodiments and modifications
without departing from the spirit of, or exceeding the scope of,
the invention.
[0044] Nothing in the above description is meant to limit the
invention to any specific materials, geometry, or orientation of
elements. Many parts/orientation substitutions are contemplated
within the scope of the invention and will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The embodiments described herein were presented
by way of example only and should not be used to limit the scope of
the invention.
* * * * *